We have a real mixed bag of information for you this week.
Starting with hockey registration (justifying it by reminding everyone — even though our favourite teams are probably out by now — that it is still playoff time). So, close to home, Nelson Minor Hockey registration is already underway. The early bird deadline, with a $50 discount, is May 31. Those early birds will be entered in a draw to win a hockey stick from Mallard’s Source for Sports valued up to $200. Great incentive or what? If you miss it, the regular registration deadline is July 31. Fees vary depending on division although all first-time players, regardless of division, pay only $200. Plus the program is eligible for KidSport grants and there is an equipment program in place for the asking as well. Contact Nelson Minor Hockey for more information through nelsonmha.ca
Last year I went whitewater rafting with the local Nelson Whitewater Rafting Co. and had a blast. I highly recommend giving it a go this year and taking your summer visitors along for the (very professional) fun ride. This season the company is also adding stand up paddleboard and kayak rentals to their box of toys. They have many types of vessels to choose from for your water fun. Go to nelsonpaddleboardandkayak.com
Staying on the water, the local water sport clubs, kayak and canoe, dragon-boaters, sailing and rowers will be holding a water sport try-it day on Aug. 22 at Lakeside. Watch this space for more information closer to the time but the idea is to offer a day much like the winter version of Sports Day Canada in November. So if you haven’t put your toe in the lake by then, Aug. 22 will be warm and perfect.
The Balfour golf course and Rec Commission 10 have partnered to offer an incredible opportunity for ten local youth to learn and play unlimited golf for the 2015 season. The program is available for a maximum of 10 children aged 10 to 14. Registration deadline is Wednesday June 3 and costs $100 (KidSport eligible — a $350 regular cost). It includes 2015 junior membership, six instructional sessions with head golf pro Craig Wilkinson and a season-end in-house competition. Enrol your child in this program and they will learn to play this great game and be introduced to the importance of honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect and many other positive values that are inherently connected to golf and life. For more information please contact Craig at 250-229-5655 or cwilkinson@golfbalfour.com
With the indoor season of pickleball done, the outdoor courts are beckoning. The adult group has moved to the tennis courts at Lakeside for the summer and are inviting drop in participants on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. It’s free and paddles and balls are supplied.
Last, information from the BC government that will support sport group events was released last week. A new stream of grants is always good but they’re also developing new resources that will help the sport and recreation sector in general recognizing the economic impact sport events have on host communities — which is about time! For details go to news.gov.bc.ca/stories/event-hosting-gets-boost-from-province